The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1887-08-24
The SECRET MARRIAGE.
BY LOUISE GREY.

You may think it dull, kind reader. l
beg, however, your leniency, as the absence
of howery language is balanced by the
truth of the narrative.
Eugene Eggleston loved Laura lie Favre
fondly, devotedly. He loved her as only
those can love who possess that warm, al
fectionate temperament matured under
Southern sun, atfiuence, and the sweet in
fuence of loving friends. His was true
manly nature, noble heart, face and
physique almost perfect. He had eyes of
clear, beautiful blue, through which one
could look way, way down into the very
heart, and see nothing corrupt therein. A
complexion as rich and warm as his nature,
and soft auburn hair which accompanies
that peculiar shade of blue eyes. There
was nothing Objectionable in himl Moth
ing-absolutely nothing.
He was the embodiment of everything
grand and noble-and yet consent to
wed the object of his deep passion was
withheld by Colonel Jerome lie Favre.
Proud, wealthy, and aristocratic, Colonel
lie avre had always held himself so far
above every one in his suburban town
where his summer home had been for
quarter of n century, that he was regarded
with awe and reverence. One hardly dared
approach him until he made the first adj
vance toward recognition, and it was with
faint heart and nervous bearing that
Eugene sought this naughty man and made
known his desire.
Col. lie Favre had raised his only child,
Laura, alone. The day that gave her birth
saw her mothers eyes close in death, and
the father from that hour centered his whole
heart upon the child; had given her every
advantage abroad that wealth could secure;
and now, at the age of seventeen, he real
lied With feeling of satisfaction that his
daughter was inferior to none in beauty,
education, refinement and culture.
: was his idol.
Watch her as she perches on the arm Of
the great upholstered chair in which her
father sits. Her right arm encircles his
neck, aud they make an attractive pair. He,
with his handsome face lit with paternal
love and pride, and she, with that dark,
rich, magnetic beauty that battles all de-
scription. Her brown ,elvety eyes are
deeply fringed with long, dark lashes that
incline upward and at the corners come
together in so bewitching q manner as TO
impart combined look of childish purity
and innocence with love of fun and mirth.
The contour of her face is oval; her COM
plexion most enviable, and her mouth so
beautiful, so rich in coloring, and with
clear cut curves, which bespoke a love for
everything good and pure; and such sweet
expression!
One cannot look at her without n desire TO
kiss,
And both men and women were alike in this
An abundance of silky black hair care
lessly put back in two long braids, is held
by cream satin ribbons, and dress of
cream colored summer fabric, ON q fault
less figure, complete the picture. She is
happy, for Eugene that evening is to ask
for her hand, and she soliloquized in this
manner:
81 know papa's love for me is too great
TO deny me any pleasure; for l cannot re-
call one instance where he has refused me
anything"
She seemed to feel certain of his APP
proval. His refusal was never dreamed
of but that evening Eugene Eggleston re-
sceived, in words most painfully to the
point an absolute and final refusal of her
hand, with a warning, full of subtle mean
ing, TO withdraw his suit at once. He was
nearly wild, and did nothing but walk the
streets all night and contemplate suicide.
The next morning, at the hour his dar-
ling was accustomed TO take her daily ride,
he mounted his favorite saddle horse, and
searched the road she usually selected,
just in time to see her emerge from bend
around a thicket of willows. From the
expression of her face he saw she knew
all. He had no hopes. He knew he must
give up his darling.
Eugene, i have never disobeyed my
father in my life," she said, and broke
down. She could not speak for an IN
slant, and, believing that she was trying to
summon courage to say "good-by" to him
forever, and knowing he would rather hear
his death warrant read, he felt a paroXysm
of pain, an uprising in his throat, and his
heart seemed to stop beating.
Soon she continued But without you
i cannot live, and knowing the depth of
my fathers love for me / feel confident of
his forgiveness in the course i am about to
follow. Eugene, / will marry you this
hour, and before / dismount from my
pony.
He felt as though he had been called
back to life.
They turned their horses, and in silence
reached the residence of the dear old di-
vine who had baptized Laura and loved
her as his own. The minister had not the
moral courage TO refuse the request she
made, even though il was full of mad ro-
nance, and there, under The massive boughs
of grand old forest tree, and on horse
back, Laura lie Favre and Eugene Eggle-
ston were made husband and wife.
The laws of their State did not require
the marriage license.
Realizing the hasty step taken, she felt
ueT WuOlt HtINOub bNSbtlH blNliS way DuI
she soon had control of herself, as she
knew she had need of great courage to
meet her father and disclose what to him
would seem appalling intelligence.
They rode along, not in silence this
time, as many plans must be made to meet
all emergencies. Eugene knew his bank
account was ample, and if his life was
spared by the Colonel, heaven was his;
for here by his side was the one dearer TO
him than his life, his wife.
On reaching the house Laura assumed a
cheerful manner, tripped gayly to the door
and pulled the bell. In a moment it was
answered by her father. His countenance
was stern, and her heart almost stood still;
but she thought it wise to treat the subject
lightly, and as she had often done before,
she threw both arms around his neck and
confessed all, begging his forgiveness.
She did not know Colonel lie Favre, al
though she was his child.
He pushed her from him almost savage